Olney Hymns · Question
How does Olney Hymns develop the theme of Suffering and Affliction?
Answer
Olney Hymns by John Newton develops Suffering and Affliction across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
The role of trials, crosses, and afflictions in the believer's life, seen as instruments of divine discipline, purification, and a means to draw closer to God.
Lot's righteous soul was distressed by the sins of Sodom, and he faced scorn and strife.
The spiritual famine described represents a period of affliction and barrenness, which drives the soul to depend on God.
The poem opens with the bitterness of desert waters, symbolizing the trials and sorrows of life that taste of sin and woe.
Evidence in the book
- 5: Lot in Sodom
Lot's righteous soul was distressed by the sins of Sodom, and he faced scorn and strife.
- Plenty in the Time of Dearth
The spiritual famine described represents a period of affliction and barrenness, which drives the soul to depend on God.
- The Bitter Waters
The poem opens with the bitterness of desert waters, symbolizing the trials and sorrows of life that taste of sin and woe.
- Jehovah-Rophi—I Am the Lord That Healeth Thee
The 'deep-wounded souls' and the plea for healing highlight the affliction of sin and doubt.
- 24: Samson's Lion
The poem presents afflictions as a means of spiritual growth, bringing sweetness and comfort from trials.
- Oh That I Were as in Months Past!
The speaker mourns the loss of joy and experiences deep spiritual anguish.
- The Change
The speaker describes a 'stormy hour' of spiritual affliction, with joys put to flight and day turned to night.
- Pleading for Mercy
The speaker describes physical and emotional anguish, including heavy groans, broken bones, anxious fears, and floods of tears.
